Club needs one last push from public to make Mega prize draw a success

The first draw takes place on Saturday, April 18, derby day at Mourneview Park.

So far over 600 tickets have been sold, but in order for the prime objective to be achieved the club need more sales.

“As has been emphasised previously, all profits from the draw will go to boost the manager’s budget for next season,” says club chairman Adrian Teer.

“If our club is to have any realistic expectation of making the top six for the third season in succession and competing for trophies the manager must be provided with a budget which will enable him to put a talented and competitive team on the park.

“The Mega Draw is therefore vitally important particularly if we do not make the Europa League next season - and let’s face it that’s an outside chance at this stage.

“Most of the other teams aspiring for the top six and trophies in 2015/16 already benefit from having several seasons of European money and will have next season’s to count on too. Plus they have other guaranteed income sources like IFA funding, a G3 pitch, and perhaps a flourishing social club which Glenavon do not. Therefore to have a genuine ambition to be able to compete at the highest level we must secure significant alternative income. The Board is constantly striving to do so but needs the full backing of its supporters to achieve this aim.

“The Mega Draw requires ticket buyers to pay £2.50 per week and offers some of the most attractive prizes this club has ever provided in a single draw, including £20,000 top prize. If less than 30% of the support we took to the Irish Cup Final last May either bought or sold one ticket then the draw would be an outstanding success.

“At present we are struggling to make a worthwhile profit on it and that does not auger well. The Board’s desire is to put a team on the park which we can all be proud of but that will only be possible within the financial resources available.

“In this day and age a board simply cannot afford any financial slippage or risk because a bank will no longer come to the rescue. It is absolutely imperative that books are balanced.

“Gary Hamilton has done a fantastic job since he took the manager’s position in December 2011. The Mega Draw is an opportunity to back Gary and his management team to the hilt in their endeavour to keep our club within the higher echelons of Premiership football.”

To put you name on a ticket call the office on 028 38322472.